Load transfer mechanism of a load distributive compression anchor installed in weathered rock layer

Abstract

The demand for a load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) in construction sites has been increasing, owing to its high bearing capacity and removable steel strands. As an LDCA comprises multiple anchor bodies and unbonded steel strands, the load applied to the strands generates a distributive compressive stress in the grout, preventing high concentration of grout–ground shear stress. Unlike in the conventional anchors, in an LDCA, independent load transfer of each anchor body induces interference effect between adjacent anchor bodies. Therefore, for an efficient design of an LDCA, it is necessary to investigate the load transfer mechanism considering the effect of multiple anchor bodies. In this study, a series of anchor pull-out field tests was conducted for LDCAs consisting of a single anchor body, and double and triple anchor bodies spaced by 1, 2, and 3 m. According to the test results, the LDCA showed a stiffer load–displacement behavior with an increase in the number and spacing of the anchor bodies. The multiple anchor bodies of the LDCA generated an overlapping of the grout axial load and induced its rapid dissipation, increasing the grout–ground shear stress. This interference effect was more clearly observed with a decrease in the anchor body spacing.